One year, one love by Aurora Miller

09:31 Mon, 3 Mar

Chapter 64

Chapter 64

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As soon as Doris walked into the hotel today, her colleagues‘ eyes were drawn to her, which made her feel uncomfortable.

In the locker room, they gathered around her curiously. “Doris, those snowflake earrings are gorgeous! Where did you get them? How much were they?”

“I didn’t know,” said Doris..

“You’re wearing them, and you don’t know?” one girl asked incredulously. “Are those real diamonds? They must have cost a fortune.”

Doris responded with a faint smile.

“Doris, did you make up with Mr. Watson?” someone speculated.

“No way,” Doris quickly denied.

“Then someone’s chasing after you?” another girl chimed in.

“No,” Doris said before fleeing the conversation, overwhelmed by their probing questions.

Later, Lola, who had caught wind of the chatter, came over to see Doris‘ diamond earrings. Known for her wealthy background and familiarity with fine jewelry, Lola immediately recognized the earrings as extraordinary.

“Doris, where did you get these earrings?” Lola asked.

“My husband brought them back for me from Biscuit while he was on a business trip,” Doris replied. Lola was the only one at the hotel who knew Doris was married. “Are they really that expensive? How expensive are we talking?”

“I couldn’t find an exact match, but I’m sure they aren’t cheap,” Lola said confidently. “Did your husband strike it rich? This is quite the extravagant business trip gift.”

“Who knows? Maybe he’s just a reckless spender,” Doris replied with a nonchalant shrug.

Before her shift ended, Doris received a call from Jeremiah.

“Ms. Reed, are you free tonight? Mr. Watson asked me to inform you that he’ll meet you at 8 p.m. in Room 1806 at the Hampstone Hotel. He’ll only have thirty minutes. If you miss it, the opportunity’s gone.”

‘He wants to meet at a hotel? And not just any hotel, my workplace, no less. Everyone here knows we broke up, and now he’s engaged to Leia. If my colleagues see us, what will they think?‘ Doris wondered.

her up, she had

working late at the hotel and would come home

the doorbell, and after three

in a light blue shirt paired with beige slacks, looking fresh and

time,” Ryan said with a pleased smile, stepping aside.

before stepping

the living room. Ryan settled into the sofa, then looked at Doris, who was still standing. “Take

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Chapter 64

eyes meeting his. “Ryan, let’s get straight to the point.”

into a wine glass. He filled it to about a half–inch and handed the glass to Doris. “This is

don’t drink.” Her alcohol tolerance

Ryan, especially given their history as ex–lovers, required her to stay vigilant. Drinking was definitely not a

the corners of his lips curling into a faint smile. “Are you afraid I’ve put

surface. “Of course not. You’re

absolutely afraid. Better safe than sorry!

been amicable, and there

ces between them.

be honest with you, during our three years together, I had thoughts about sleeping with you. I had countless opportunities

mine.

and valued our that you think I’d resort

And yet, in your mind, I’ve sunk so low

showing faintly on her face. Ryan could

may not be a saint,” Ryan said coldly, “but as the son of the Watson family and the

are already plenty

underestimate me. And don’t think too highly of yourself, either.”

downed the small amount of wine left in one decisive motion. Setting the empty glass lightly

didn’t seem to rattle her. After all, she was simply trying to protect herself. There was nothing wrong with that.

glass, but before he could, a knock

hotel staff member from the room service department handed him an unopened bottle of wine. “Mr. Watson, here is the

immediately recognized Doris as one of her colleagues. Surprise flashed in her eyes, quickly followed by

Lily cast a long, pointed look at Doris, her gaze tinged with hostility. Doris felt the weight of

silence returned to the

bottle of wine on the table and pushed it slightly toward

bottle, inner conflict swirling. Ryan held all the power in this negotiation;

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